As businesses move towards 100% digital transactions, claims such as "save trees, go green and go digital" are part of their marketing strategies to encourage consumers to switch from paper to digital communications.
What many don't realise is that
these claims are a form of greenwashing.
To keep you informed of the facts over the fiction, here's some interesting data about how your electronic communications.are affecting the environment.
Click here to download the full-sized image.
MYTH NO. 1
PAPER IS ENERGY INTENSIVE AND HAS A HIGH CARBON FOOTPRINT:
The Pulp, Paper & Print sector is one of the smallest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters of the major industry sectors on the planet, responsible for just 1.1% of the world's GHG emissions.
MYTH NO. 3
ONLY RECYCLED PAPER SHOULD BE USED:
Paper made from sustainable forests is needed to start the paper cycle. Recycled fibre degrades after several uses and the paper industry needs fresh fibre from responsibly managed forests to keep the renewable cycle going.
MYTH NO. 2
PAPER IS A WASTEFUL PRODUCT:
Paper is one of the most recycled products in the world. In fact, 95% of Australian households recycle/reuse their paper products. Paper is recycled more than any other household item.
MYTH NO. 4
RECYCLING USES MORE ENERGY THAN MAKING SOMETHING NEW:
More energy, water and other resources are used in making new things than in recycling. Recycling paper saves 60% of the energy used to make new paper.
SOURCE:
The Washington Post, Two Sides Australia